Magong Jin Kuitou Fort (Under Renovation, Not Open to Public) Introduction
Located on the west coast of Penghu Island, at the far west of Magong Peninsula, southwest of Magong City’s southwest gate, and on the Guitou Mountain southwest of Magong Bay (formerly known as Magong Harbor), it faces Fengguiwei, known in the past as "Snake Head." Together, they guard the entrance of Magong Harbor. Since ancient times, there has been a western floodgate at Magong Bay (Western Harbor Battery) serving as the right arm of Magong, opposing the smoke tower and fortifications of Fengguiwei as the left guard. The vaulted barracks are the main architectural form of the Jin Guitou Gun Platform and a key feature of the fortifications in the Penghu area. The construction of the barracks has thick walls made of 110-115 cm thick stone blocks on both sides, arched on top with red bricks forming a vaulted dome. The thickness of the brick arch cannot be determined from the intact site, but it is generally estimated to be about four layers. To protect the brick surface from water infiltration, it is covered with a layer of mixed soil to form a rounded, embossed roof. The surface of the mixed soil is further coated with asphalt for outer protection. Due to years of use, the surface inevitably experiences loosening and cracking, thus it is necessary to reapply a waterproof asphalt layer and cover it with a layer of cement mortar for outer protection. If concealment is needed for the structure, a thick coat of oil-based paint (in deep green) is applied, becoming the standard practice for this battery. The outer walls and the edges of door and window openings are often coated with deep green oil paint, while the interior walls are painted white to make the enclosed space feel brighter. Currently, due to their usage, various barracks have been partitioned into different-sized spaces. The longest barrack on the southeast side (Building U) is used as the company commander's office, armory, officer's quarters, counseling officer's office, and large dormitory. The shortest barrack on the northwest side (Building Y) is used as a rest room, sergeant's dormitory, and landing platform. The barrack facing the sea (Building V) is used as the deputy company commander's office, squad leader's office, storage room, administrative office, and paint storage room. Although the interior condition of these spaces is fairly intact, most wooden doors and windows have changed from their original appearance and are now equipped with screens. Wiring and gas lines on the walls are messy and should be organized or restored to their original state. The most severe condition is on the roof, which has significant surface cracking and protective layers that have gradually fallen off. Care must be taken to excavate it and properly repair the waterproof layer, and the messy pipelines should also be repaired and improved in coordination. Additionally, there is an exhaust pipe at the top of the roof, either covered with a crude metal cover or made of hollow bricks; it should be replaced with copper to prevent rust when addressing the roof. If the environment allows, it is advisable to verify the original partitions indoors and create drawings to prevent the erasure of relics during future modifications.
